This procedure covers the removal and replacement of all shift solenoids in the 10R80 transmission found in 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring transmission pan removal and valve body access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Transmission filter (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Solenoid A (SS-A) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Solenoid B (SS-B) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Solenoid C (SS-C) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Solenoid D (SS-D) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Solenoid E (SS-E) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Pressure control solenoid (PCS) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Transmission control solenoid (TCC) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Valve body gaskets/seals kit × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Allow transmission to cool for minimum 2 hours if vehicle has been operated
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental shifts
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath
6. Remove belly pan or skid plate if equipped to access transmission pan
7. Place drain pan underneath transmission pan area
8. Take reference photos of transmission pan area and all electrical connectors

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the pan. Using the appropriate socket, slowly loosen the drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take 10-15 minutes. Once drained, remove and inspect the drain plug and washer for damage. Set aside plug and install new washer for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Using a socket wrench, loosen all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Do not fully remove bolts yet. Once all are loose, remove bolts one at a time while supporting the pan. Allow any remaining fluid to drain. Carefully lower the pan and set aside. Note the location of any dowel pins.
   ⚠Residual fluid will spill when pan is removed. Keep drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Inspect and clean pan
   Inspect the transmission pan for metal debris or excessive contamination. Small amounts of fine metallic particles on the magnetic drain plug are normal. Excessive chunks or debris indicate internal transmission wear. Clean the pan thoroughly with solvent and wipe dry with lint-free rags. Remove old gasket material from pan mating surface using a plastic scraper. Do not use metal scrapers that could damage sealing surfaces.
   ℹ️Excessive metal debris may indicate internal transmission damage requiring further diagnosis before proceeding.
4. 4

   Remove transmission filter (if replacing)
   The transmission filter is located inside the pan area. It is typically held by bolts or may be a push-in style. Remove the fasteners and carefully pull the filter straight down and out. Inspect the filter for damage or excessive debris. Clean the filter mounting surface on the valve body.
5. 5

   Disconnect solenoid electrical connectors
   Locate all solenoid electrical connectors on the valve body. The 10R80 has multiple solenoids including SS-A, SS-B, SS-C, SS-D, SS-E, PCS, and TCC solenoids. Each connector has a locking tab. Press the tab and carefully pull the connector straight off. Label each connector with tape and marker to ensure correct reconnection. Take reference photos showing connector positions.
   ⚠Connector locking tabs are fragile. Use gentle pressure to avoid breaking tabs.
6. 6

   Remove valve body bolts
   The valve body is secured by multiple bolts of varying lengths. Take detailed photos or make a diagram showing bolt locations and lengths before removal. Remove the valve body mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern to prevent warping. Keep bolts organized by location as they may be different lengths. Note that some bolts also secure the solenoid body.
   ⚠Valve body bolts are different lengths. Mixing up bolt locations during reassembly will cause damage.
7. 7

   Lower valve body assembly
   Carefully lower the valve body assembly while supporting it with both hands. The valve body is heavy and contains springs and check balls that must not be disturbed. Keep the valve body horizontal and set it on a clean work surface. Inspect the valve body gasket and separator plate. These should be replaced during reassembly.
   ⚠️The valve body contains springs and check balls in precise positions. Do not turn valve body upside down or components will fall out of position causing transmission malfunction.
8. 8

   Remove old shift solenoids
   Each solenoid is secured by 1-2 bolts. Starting with solenoid A (SS-A), remove the mounting bolts and carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the valve body. Inspect the solenoid bore for debris or damage. Repeat for all solenoids: SS-B, SS-C, SS-D, SS-E, PCS (pressure control solenoid), and TCC (torque converter clutch solenoid). Keep solenoids organized and labeled to verify correct replacement positions.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Clean valve body and solenoid bores
   Using clean solvent and lint-free rags, thoroughly clean all solenoid mounting bores in the valve body. Remove any debris, old gasket material, or fluid residue. Inspect each bore for scratches or damage. Clean the valve body mating surfaces where gaskets will seal. Allow all surfaces to air dry completely before installing new components.
   ⚠Any debris left in solenoid bores will cause new solenoids to malfunction or leak.
10. 10

    Install new shift solenoids
    Install new O-rings on each new solenoid, lightly lubricating them with clean ATF. Insert each solenoid into its correct bore, ensuring it seats fully. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Install solenoids in this order: SS-A, SS-B, SS-C, SS-D, SS-E, PCS, and TCC. Verify each solenoid is fully seated before torquing bolts. Cross-reference your photos to ensure correct positioning.
    ⚠Solenoids installed in wrong positions will cause incorrect shift patterns and transmission codes.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new valve body gaskets
    Install new valve body gaskets and separator plate per the gasket kit instructions. Ensure all bolt holes align correctly and gaskets are positioned with any tabs or alignment features in correct positions. Do not use gasket sealer unless specifically required by Ford service procedures.
12. 12

    Reinstall valve body assembly
    Carefully lift the valve body assembly and position it back into the transmission case, keeping it horizontal to prevent internal components from shifting. Align the valve body with the dowel pins. Hand-start all mounting bolts in their correct positions (refer to your photos). Torque valve body bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Use the appropriate torque specification for each bolt size.
13. 13

    Reconnect solenoid electrical connectors
    Reconnect each solenoid electrical connector to its correct solenoid, using your labels and reference photos. Push each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug each connector to verify it is locked. Verify all connectors are fully seated and properly routed to avoid pinching during pan installation.
14. 14

    Install new transmission filter
    Install the new transmission filter into position. If filter uses bolts, torque to specification. If push-in style, ensure it is fully seated. Verify the filter seal is properly positioned and not damaged.
15. 15

    Reinstall transmission pan
    Install new transmission pan gasket on the pan or transmission case per gasket design. Position the transmission pan carefully, aligning it with dowel pins if equipped. Hand-start all pan bolts. Torque pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks. Install the drain plug with new washer and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case. Remove fill plug. Using a fluid pump, slowly add Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through the fill hole until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole. The transmission should be at operating temperature (approximately 40-50°C or 104-122°F) for accurate fill level. Install fill plug and torque to specification. The 10R80 requires approximately 13 quarts total capacity, but actual fill amount depends on how much was drained.
    ⚠Overfilling transmission will cause aeration and shifting issues. Only fill until fluid drips from fill hole at proper temperature.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reinstall belly pan and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the belly pan or skid plate if equipped. Lower the vehicle carefully from jack stands. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify transmission pan is not leaking before test drive
3. Check that belly pan and skid plates are properly secured
4. Double-check that drain plug and fill plug are properly torqued

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes, monitoring for leaks around transmission pan
• With engine at idle and foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and manual modes), pausing 3 seconds in each position
• Check transmission fluid level again at operating temperature and top off if needed through fill plug
• Perform test drive, verifying smooth shifts in all gears with no harsh engagement or slipping
• Use scan tool to verify no transmission diagnostic trouble codes are present
• Monitor transmission operation for first 50-100 miles and recheck fluid level and inspect for leaks
• If shift quality issues persist, perform transmission adaptive learning reset procedure using scan tool per Ford service specifications

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